2014 PW (or not)?

[vector1]

I'm a new poster posing another vague "should I buy a PW" question to a board of nuts-and-bolts experts, but here goes anyway since this group obviously knows their chit:

I do a lot of driving on abandoned water-barred logging roads, and a lot on heavily washboarded USFS roads here in Oregon--some in the snow, hunting,etc., and obviously, some on the pavement. I plan on hauling a light (1000-1200 lb) pop-up slide-in camper full time. The gas-diesel price differential hit 70 cents where I buy fuel yesterday. I know it's irrational, but I also can't quite get my mind over the winch-behind-the-bumper and the wheel lockers. Ignoring the fact that I've wanted a PW since the 70's when I first saw one working in the woods, does a 2014 PW make sense for my situation? Or should I just find a Ram HD 2500 and install a winch and a lift?

Would I need additional lifting on a new PW to run 35" tires? 37" tires? if I keep their width at standard? Does anyone know when the 2014's with the new Hemi and the controversial rear coils will be available?

I know this is all over the place, but I would appreciate any type informed feedback and insight you can provide. Many thanks--your knowledge is valuable and appreciated.

[Cactus Red]

The price of the option is worth every penny for multiple reasons, the first being it's all under warranty. Secondly, to add lockers, winch, skids, and a sway bar disconnect will cost more via the aftermarket. I'm still not sure if the '14 trucks come w/ 4.56:1 gears, but if they do, adding in that cost to up grade a standard 2500 really puts you over the top.

As far as larger tires go, you will have to lift a 4th gen truck to get those under one. A 3rd gen can clear 35's as is. With the new trucks using the much larger 11.5 rear diff, IMO, 35's will be mandatory.

Sent via gigawatt laser...

[RustyPW]

When I bought my PW. The PW option was $6,200, and if I would have gotten a diesel. That would have been $7,200 option. So then I would have to spend another $8,000 plus on the diesel to get aftermarket gears, lockers, winch, sway bar disconnect, and no warranty.



Sorry dog. Just the way I see it.

[Mexican Import]

I rushed out to buy a 2013 Power Wagon when I heard about the changes coming in 2014 because im not sold on rear coils, but now seeing the AEV Ram im not so sure I wasnt a little too hasty in my decision... oh well time will tell. Someone was saying the new disconnect for the 4WD is diffrent too, I personally prefer an old school linkage to electric, but im not sure about that change as 2014 PWs arent around yet. But being an X '05 Ram Diesel owner I can tell you I loved that truck, and it did good off road when it was dry, but you really notice the extra weight in the front end when its muddy/ icy even with aggressive tires. As far as mileage goes you will probably spend marginally less money on Diesel with the better mileage, but I bet you wont save any $$$ on oil changes and the first time you buy a starter or a fuel pump or injectors for a Diesel watch out! Plus Power Wagons are just way cooler.

[04Ram2500Hemi]

I think the Power Wagon is a great all in one tool. The only bummer is not being able to fit 35" tires under the truck as it is. However, I am seriously considering some AEV upgrades when it comes time for new tires. I think the new 6.4L Hemi is a big welcome, but I was bummed about the change to 4.10 gears. For you, I think the Power Wagon would be a great fit. Mine is my daily driver, hunting, and towing rig. The only vehicle I would replace my Power Wagon with if it died today would be another Power Wagon.

[fbenross]

I've been hauling a pop-up camper around on my 2006 since new. I've never had to use the winch, but I have a fire extinguisher I've never had to use either. But I like having them on hand if needed. The lockers can be very handy going up a steep muddy/snowy fire trail. The PW will take you and a pop-up on any trail that's wide enough. I've been to many beautiful places and camped in comfort, where you'll never see another RV. SEE picture link below.

[vector1]

Folks, thanks for all the excellent advice and support for a PW. I'm getting ready to buy something I know I don't "need", but really really want. So it's good to read the positive comments which make taking the next step much easier. I'm not a hardcore boulder hopper, but an old fern hopper/logger/forester/timber cruiser and nothing tickles me more than driving up a new trail and looking out over new country. While everyone I know at my age is buying a diesel retirement truck to pull a big 5th-wheeler, I can't imagine not being able to head out into back country, so PW's and this forum are an inspiration.

Cactus, Mexican, et al. You've all convinced me not to build an after-market 2500, but it will be a PW 35's or 37's. And I too had a diesel I really liked, a '99 HD 2500 w/cummins, great for hauling a cord of firewood, but not a great back-roads truck. I'm convinced for this kind of driving, gas is the way to go. With a PW I'll be able to drive up any road I want, with (light) camper, and I know I'll use the winch. I'm looking forward to driving up the dozens of roads where I've been tempted but have ended up backing down or altogether passing by.

I guess it's like a lot of other big decisions. Once you make up you're mind, it's best to step completely in and enjoy it. I will keep you posted. Many thanks.

fbenross, thanks for the pics. I now live in central Oregon desert country and am always on the hunt for interesting geology and petroglyphs.

[MSCH2112]

u sure like traveling my state!

Mike

[TwinStick]

Vector1: You have a sickness, LOL , it is called P.W.E. .

You may not absolutely need all the capabilities of the Power Wagon but you do want them. There in lies the sickness. You can deny these symptoms, but they WILL cost you more money in the long run. You can buy a diesel, you can buy a reg 2500 (ouch) , hell, you can even buy a nice Camaro (ouch) but you will still not be satisfied. Then, you can trade em all in (ouch) on a Power Wagon & be VERY HAPPY , but that will cost you $$$$. We have all had this sickness, so you are not alone. Some have had it worse than others . This P.W.E. (Power Wagon Envy) can simply only be cured by having the REAL DEAL. There are LOTS of POSERS out there. DON'T be a poser. We are not fond of posers. Posers don't get chased down by mere mortals, just to look at their truck. Some of us have. Redneck chicks dig them too---although the winch mob is still out on if that is a good thing or not ! . With a Power Wagon & some well chosen recovery gear, you will be "An Army of One". Pulling lesser vehicles out when conditions are at their worst. You can be just another one of the few, helping "the legend live on".

Power Wagons


This was done in fun. The names & stories have been changed to protect the innocent (ouch)

[04Ram2500Hemi]

Vector1: You have a sickness, LOL , it is called P.W.E. .

You may not absolutely need all the capabilities of the Power Wagon but you do want them. There in lies the sickness. You can deny these symptoms, but they WILL cost you more money in the long run. You can buy a diesel, you can buy a reg 2500 (ouch) , hell, you can even buy a nice Camaro (ouch) but you will still not be satisfied. Then, you can trade em all in (ouch) on a Power Wagon & be VERY HAPPY , but that will cost you $$$$. We have all had this sickness, so you are not alone. Some have had it worse than others . This P.W.E. (Power Wagon Envy) can simply only be cured by having the REAL DEAL. There are LOTS of POSERS out there. DON'T be a poser. We are not fond of posers. Posers don't get chased down by mere mortals, just to look at their truck. Some of us have. Redneck chicks dig them too---although the winch mob is still out on if that is a good thing or not ! . With a Power Wagon & some well chosen recovery gear, you will be "An Army of One". Pulling lesser vehicles out when conditions are at their worst. You can be just another one of the few, helping "the legend live on".

Power Wagons


This was done in fun. The names & stories have been changed to protect the innocent (ouch)

Only you would bring up the Camaro...

[TwinStick]

I'm just sayin' .

[myoung84]

Lol. At least you finally got it right.

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[vanished]

Lmao at the Camaro comment!


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[vector1]

Twinsitck,

I will admit to having a slight case of PWE, but don't worry as I will NEVER be a poseur. First of all, I'm pretty sure with enough gas and the right truck, I could drive across Oregon length-wise on gravel or dirt and never touch pavement. Second, I have been stuck at the end of too many bad roads with a dead animal or firewood in the back, approaching darkness, axe, shovel, and no other help in sight. And third, I'm too old. I'm also determined not to get caught in the trap to which your refer of buying what I think I need instead of what I want and going broke trying to fix it up. And I will never disgrace PW ownership. Now, if I can just get my hands on one.

[fbenross]

Our TOKEN diesel owner has been strangely quiet.

[coder]

The primary difference between a regular 2500 4x4 and a PW is the, and what makes it better off road, is the incredible amount of traction the front/rear lockers, more flexible suspension, shorter gears, etc., provide.

Traction is what gets you down the trail and, and when you can't go any further, a integrated warn M15000 winch to get you home, all with a factory warranty.

I have taken my 3G PW places that only modified Jeeps normally go, so can tell you it works really well!

[verdesardog]

Our TOKEN diesel owner has been strangely quiet.

I'm still here....

[JBM Power Wagon]

People always talk about if they "need" a PW or not. I don't need my PW, but I do LOVE it. The way I look at, with the PW I get a very reliable and comfortable daily driver that can also do the following:

-Tow my 26' 7500lb travel trailer
-Get me down the right trials when hunting
-Haul my ATV
-Follow Jeeps just about anywhere they go (as long as I can fit)
-Drive customers and company VP's around in comfort

It really is a Swiss Army knife of a vehicle. For the person who has a variety of needs/likes it really is a terrific vehicle.

And, you can fit some 35" tires with no mods, as long as you are OK with control arm rubbing. 3 months ago I put on some 35" Kelly Safari TSR tires and will never go back. No fender rubbing (even with some pretty good flexing off road) and I just have to watch how sharp I am turning.

Good luck in your future purchase!

[vanished]

Well said. Few "need" it - many want it...


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[wingerak92]

People always talk about if they "need" a PW or not. I don't need my PW, but I do LOVE it. The way I look at, with the PW I get a very reliable and comfortable daily driver that can also do the following:

-Tow my 26' 7500lb travel trailer
-Get me down the right trials when hunting
-Haul my ATV
-Follow Jeeps just about anywhere they go (as long as I can fit)
-Drive customers and company VP's around in comfort

It really is a Swiss Army knife of a vehicle. For the person who has a variety of needs/likes it really is a terrific vehicle.

And, you can fit some 35" tires with no mods, as long as you are OK with control arm rubbing. 3 months ago I put on some 35" Kelly Safari TSR tires and will never go back. No fender rubbing (even with some pretty good flexing off road) and I just have to watch how sharp I am turning.

Good luck in your future purchase!

Well said! Heck, I have people telling me I'm crazy because if they spent the money on a brand new power wagon they would never take it off road.

[vector1]

Does anyone know when the 2014's with the new Hemi, the 4.10 diff., etc will be available? And my last question is how a 1200lb slide-in camper will behave over the new rear coil suspension? Many thanks.

[JBM Power Wagon]

Does anyone know when the 2014's with the new Hemi, the 4.10 diff., etc will be available? And my last question is how a 1200lb slide-in camper will behave over the new rear coil suspension? Many thanks.

Latest I read the new PW's were supposed to be available in early 2014, but haven't heard anything specific yet.

As for the coil springs, it's hard to say. My buddy has a Ram 1500 that is rated to a 1400lb payload with the coil springs and it seems to handle the payload really well. However, even with the PW leaf springs in the 2013 and older models I would get some kind of helper spring (i.e. airbags) just to help with stability with a constant load. I would think I would feel the same on the new coil sprung models.

[myoung84]

I think the new coils will handle the weight just as well as the leafs, if not better. Airbags are always a low cost option that works great.

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[FirerescuePW]

I thought air bags are available as an option. Does anyone know if they are for the PW?

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[cruz]

And my last question is how a 1200lb slide-in camper will behave over the new rear coil suspension? Many thanks.

Welcome vector1, the simple answer is 1200lb in a 3/4 ton truck should not be a problem, leafs or coils. But " behave " is so subjective, there are no simple answers.

So far I've owned a 1992 FORD Ranger STX supercab 4x4 with a FOURWHEEL pop-up camper ( no pics ), 1996 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with a Northern Lite hard side camper and now my 2005 PW/ Sun-Lite hard side. Reading your posts on what you want to do is very similar to what I do, except my PW is also my daily driver without the camper. I travel alone and at times push myself further than I should, over the next hill just to see what's over there and the PW hedges my bet for success on getting back to pavement.

IMO when building a dedicated truck/camper you can make many suspension modifications to handle your wants or needs.